- Client-centered
- Goal focused
- Values aligned
About Amanda
Amanda Halawa-Mahdi is an Illinois-licensed clinical social worker with 23 years of experience. She helps people who are feeling stressed, anxious, low in self-esteem, or depressed. Parents and caregivers often find her practical approach useful when family tensions or caregiving demands feel overwhelming.
Amanda uses clear, goal-oriented methods in sessions. She draws on client-centered work to follow each person's priorities. She also uses cognitive behavioral strategies to identify unhelpful thinking and shift behaviors.
Her background includes years supporting teens and families involved with the juvenile justice system, where behavior change and safety planning were central. She also trains leaders as a Professional Coach through the Co-Active Training Institute, helping clients build confidence, clarify values, and strengthen decision making.
Amanda brings attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion in her practice. She works to recognize and challenge bias that can affect relationships and workplace dynamics. Conversations in her sessions aim to be direct and practical so clients can try new ways of handling problems between meetings.
People who meet with Amanda can expect a collaborative style. She helps identify small, doable steps and tracks progress over time. Her focus is on supporting growth, reducing distress, and helping clients move toward clearer goals.
How Amanda's approaches translate to online care
Amanda commonly draws on client-centered work and cognitive behavioral therapy in sessions. Client-centered work focuses on listening closely and shaping sessions around what matters most to the client, which can help clarify parenting goals and family priorities. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, mood concerns, and improving communication.She also uses motivational interviewing to help people find their own reasons for change and to build momentum toward goals. Choosing the right mix of approaches is part of the process; Amanda works together with each person to decide which methods fit their needs and preferences and adjusts as progress is made.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session options before booking to know what formats are available. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when that fits better with the day. The therapist will discuss practical arrangements and the best way to integrate sessions into everyday life during the first meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
23+ years
Listed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Amanda help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, family conflict, and coaching needs. Additional focuses include body image, caregiver stress, communication problems, and workplace issues.
What is Amanda's general therapeutic style?
Sessions are collaborative and practical. She uses client-centered listening alongside techniques to change thoughts and behaviors and set achievable goals.
How long has she been practicing?
Amanda has 23 years of professional experience in social work and related support roles.
What credentials and location apply to this therapist?
She holds an LCSW credential and practices in Illinois.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with Amanda?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for and what does cost depend on?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin working together?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.